Emanuel's Tough Style Was Key to Obama Presidency

Just watched Rahm Emanuel's departure speech live on CNN. A little mushy-gushy for me (and these are the "tough guys"?). That said, I'll update later with a video.



Meanwhile, from LAT:

President Obama's chief of staff, stepping down to run for Chicago mayor, was instrumental in the passage of a stimulus bill and the healthcare overhaul — but will be remembered largely for his tough, profane persona.



President Obama on Friday will announce the resignation of chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, a tempestuous and powerful operative whose portfolio ranged from troop levels in Afghanistan to the lineup of Democrats running in state races.



Emanuel is leaving to run for mayor of Chicago and may begin campaigning as soon as next week.



Obama hired Emanuel to push through an ambitious domestic agenda, which he did with a warlike intensity. He steered passage of two major packages: a stimulus bill that experts say prevented a sour economy from getting even worse, and a healthcare overhaul that will provide coverage for 30 million more Americans over the next decade.



But over that same 20 months, he showed himself to be one of the most pugnacious and profane chiefs of staff to hold the position; he insulted allies, sparred with colleagues, twisted arms and practiced a style of old-school politics that was at odds with his boss' inspiring campaign promise to change the tone in Washington.



He leaves the White House in a precarious spot. Unemployment has risen to nearly 10%, damaging Obama's approval ratings, and a deep partisan divide has boxed in the Obama agenda.



When the president announces Emanuel's resignation, senior aide Pete Rouse will be there to accept an appointment as interim chief of staff.

There's more at Memeorandum, especially "Capitol Hill worries Rahm Emanuel's exit changes little."



BONUS: At Michelle's, "What Rahm has to look forward to."